WICKFORD COUNTY JUNIOR SCHOOL
The School Magazine of 1955
I have just cleared out my loft and found this interesting booklet from my days at “Wickford Juniors” in the 1950s. I was in class 1A with David Mayston, having moved from the Infants in Irvon Hill the previous year. He has contributed his story about “The Magic Mushroom”. I remember many of the names of pupils mentioned here as well as Mr Cole the Headmaster, Miss Mobbs the music teacher, Mr Lonsborough, Miss Hodges, as well as my main teacher, Mr Jolly. His daughter, Penny, was in my class. Naughty boys like me were put on the IZZY WIZZY CHAIR, in the front of the class, and with socks pulled down were given a tap by his hand or a ruler – it worked though !!
I enjoyed my years at the Juniors before passing the 11+ and moving on to the brand new Sweyne School in Rayleigh in Sept 58. We were flooded out within days of the school opening and had a few days off whilst the flood waters were removed from the main hall and the surrounding areas.
I hope this interesting booklet generates some responses from the pupils involved and others who were at the school around this time.
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I remember you Marilyn in my class throughout the Juniors. I have just returned from the Wickford History Exhibition at Christ Church this Saturday morning looking at all of the great memories and meeting up with old friends.
One of these included Alan Dale, from Runwell Hospital staff houses, who recalled his first ever memory of me being in 1952 when my mother took me for the first time to the Infants School in Irvon Hill and I was crying my eyes out after being left by her. He had started 3 months earlier than me and also went to Wickford Juniors so you may remember him too and he will be going to the Beauchamps Reunion that is presently being set up.
My class! Marilyn Jessiman. Bit of a bruiser? Or maybe lost soul??? Loved Miss Mobbs.
Penny Jolly “acquired” my best bracelet. Her dad was mad at her.
Netball Captain. I’ll try and find team pictures. Joan Clarke was Centre, Elaine English(?) v tall. I went on to play County netball. And became a headteacher….
Although Mr Coke nearly caned me for being rude to Miss Jones, the fiendish dinner lady, (always wore a blue hat). It’s wonder we learnt anything!
Bulge year. 50+ in our class. Had to climb over desks as no room for alleyways!!
Unfortunately not Martin. I would have lost track of him on leaving Wickford Juniors when we went our different ways to senior school.
Reference reply from David Clarkson regarding Kenneth Draper at Wickford juniors would you have any idea of his whereabouts now. Would be grateful for any information.
I remember the name of Ken Draper although he would have been 2 years below me as I am now 75. Some teachers names that taught me were :- Mr Jolly, Mr Lonsborough, Miss Brewster. and the headmaster was Mr Cole.
I moved up from Wickford Infant School to the junior school in 1956. Our teacher was a Mrs Page whom I remember well mainly because she stood me on a chair and proceeded to slap the 7 times table into the back of my legs with a ruler. What a great aid to memory that was. Oh happy days.
Does anyone who started at Wickford Juniors in 1956 remember a boy by the name of Kenneth Draper who I am sure I sat next to in Mrs Page’s class. He would now be 73 years old. I would be grateful if anyone could put me in touch.
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